“I’m so glad you asked.” And then he plopped down beside her. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you, what with the note and the kidnapping and all, it’s been a tad difficult to find time.”
She couldn’t stop a half smile from slipping out. “So you have lots on your mind then?”
“Other than the kiss, the kidnapping, and the refused marriage proposal?” He flashed a smile at her. “Yes, I do.”
And it almost felt like old times as he told her about his plans to prevent future threatening notes. He intended to buy up the factories exploiting children and work more on improving child labor laws. His plan was to attack the problem from all angles. He would cut the root of the problem by fixing laws. He would curb the current damage by taking over the factories himself (as many as he could, that is). And he would continue to house orphaned and exploited children with the Ashbournes in their orphanage. Most beautiful of all, it wasn’t just about protecting Hope, it was about making the world a better place.
“Is that all that’s been on your mind?” She said it jokingly, not expecting his reply.
“No, that’s not all. I also intend to teach you to wield a weapon of some kind. Though I’m not sure yet which is best. We’ll probably start with a small knife.”
“Oh, I could never stab someone.”
“Hope, your life might depend on it.”
“Yes, I know. I might be able to…but, actually—oh, it sounds silly. Never mind.”
“Tell me.”
“I was thinking of something less…aggressive. I was planning to discuss some ideas with Bridget and Chloe. Maybe even Cheyenne, if I get to see her at this house party. I’ve heard she dabbles in apothecarial pursuits. We might be able to work together to design a device that could spray something like perfume in a man’s face. Then he would be temporarily blinded. I had the idea after I inadvertently put my perfume-laced fingers in my own eye.”
Isaac stared at her open mouthed.
“I know it’s silly. I don’t know if I could stab someone, but I could spray them—”
“You’re brilliant,” he blurted out. “Your heart is so pure, Hope.”
His eyes declared his admiration. And that was all she could ask for.
“Thank you, Isaac.”
He seemed sheepish at the intimacy that was building, but she wasn’t going to shy away from it. “And thank you for saving me. For protecting me. And taking care of me.”
“I’m a man. It’s what I do.”
She wasn’t sure how to reply to his pride. But…if they were to be friends, shouldn’t she be truthful with him?
“I’m a woman. It’s what I do, as well. Don’t scoff at me, Isaac. I saved you, too. I protected you and took care of you, didn’t I?”
“Well, but—”
“There’s not but. You were sick. I nursed you back to health. And I’d do it again if I had to.” And she wanted to. She wanted to be the one to take care of him. But she wanted him to want her to do it. Oooooh, it was too much wanting.
“Yes. You’re right.”
“We took care of each other when we needed it. That’s what—what friends do.”
At those words, he had the most peculiar look cross his face. As if he had never considered that caretaking could be mutual.
And she knew what he was thinking. He was worried he would become like his uncle if he accepted her care, so she did what she thought she would never do. She made her move.
“Being cared for doesn’t make you weak. Asking and receiving help doesn't make you manipulative. You are not your uncle. You’ll never be him.”
His brows furrowed.
“What did Astrid say to you when she visited earlier?”
The abrupt change in conversation rattled her for a second, but she quickly masked a cavalier attitude. “She just…girl stuff…you know?”
